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Meet the New HP ProDesk 405 G4 Mini Desktop PC
Dwight Pavlovic
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July 26, 2019
Drawn from the compact HP ProDesk 400 series, the new HP ProDesk 405 G4 mini desktop PC is the smallest, albeit still-powerful, part of the family. It’s easily dwarfed by traditional desktop towers and small form factor (SFF) computers alike. It’s also an absolute standout device with tons of functionality, solid performance, efficient power consumption, and a multitude of customization options.
The HP ProDesk 405 was manufactured with the same slim design as its predecessor, the ProDesk 400, but it is equipped with a brand-new suite of powerful AMD Ryzen™ PRO and Athlon™ PRO processors. It also features a range of integrated AMD Radeon™ Vega graphics, making it an equally powerful and convenient upgrade for any user.
Use it wherever and however you want
Measuring 6.96 x 6.88 x 1.33 inches and weighing under 3 lbs, the HP ProDesk 405 can fit just about anywhere. With that in mind, this mini computer is more versatile than your typical PC. You can beef up its specs to use it as a high-performance computer, or you can cut back on certain features and use it as a media center. Those are just a few of the ways you can configure this mini PC to improve how you work, entertain, and so much more.
As a work computer, the HP ProDesk comes with plenty of advantages, and it all starts with its size. Because it’s so compact, you can enjoy a much less cluttered workspace. You can also take it with you to set up just about anywhere there’s a compatible display.
In our review, we’ll introduce you to all aspects of the new HP ProDesk Mini. We’ll start with some of the new features and then explore the unique advantages of owning a mini PC.
HP ProDesk 405’s hardware and system features
Historically, compact PCs have taken a hit when it comes to hardware as they sacrifice features for a reduction in size. But not with the HP ProDesk 405. Sure, an SFF or traditional desktop tower may be easier to expand down the line. But, with the right budget and configuration, you can easily get top-notch, long-lasting performance from a mini PC.
For power users, the HP ProDesk 405 offers a high ceiling when it comes to customizing your components. Compared to its predecessor, this computer has a host of next-generation features designed to provide an even more powerful core computing experience. It’s also loaded with Windows 10 Pro 64 so you can access powerful management and security features like encryption and remote desktop software.
AMD Ryzen PRO and Athlon PRO processors
The HP ProDesk 405 mini boasts premium options for quad-core AMD Ryzen PRO and Athlon PRO processors along with integrated Radeon Vega graphics to support visual performance. Just choose the configuration that best suits your budget and needs.
These are great base components for a variety of uses, and they come with the bonus of providing top-level graphics for gaming and streaming. This computer outperforms many laptop configurations and offers similar portability, making it a viable alternative when you have the right peripherals available.
Big options for RAM
Your expectations for a mini PC may include limited RAM and capacity, but the HP ProDesk 405 sets a high bar here, too. It packs up to 32GB of DDR4-2933 SDRAM, meaning casual users can expect a supremely responsive computing experience. But it’s much more than that. When you pair memory with the powerful AMD features, you’ll be able to handle more intensive software, gaming, and similar tasks.
Depth and stability with SSD or hybrid storage
For storage, you can get dual drives that you can customize into a fast hybrid configuration with tons of local storage space. The bedrock of your system is a hard-drive that goes up to a 1TB SATA HDD, and you have options for the second drive, too. It has room for a super-efficient PCIe® NVMe™ SED Opal 2 TLC M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) with your choice of 256GB or 512GB of capacity. If you don’t need the extra space, opt for only the SSD for guaranteed speed and reduced noise.
SSD storage and high-capacity RAM combine to deliver speed and responsiveness, but a hybrid storage configuration provides additional stability and security for your local files. This makes the HP ProDesk 405 a great option for those who routinely use large files.
Legacy ports and options to customize
One of the big advantages of the HP ProDesk mini series is its range of basic I/O ports, which you can customize and expand for increased connectivity. You’ll get a full set of basic audio connections in addition to DisplayPort™, HDMI, VGA, and more. It’s all up to you.
Need more real estate from your display? There’s support for up to three additional monitors if you want to make the most of your space.
Packed with USB ports
For convenience and adaptability, there are 6 USB 3.1 Gen 1 connections spread across the front and back of the computer. These are a true portability bonus given that you can easily carry the HP ProDesk 405 with you. Just use your extensive USB connectivity to manage peripherals and adapters, wherever life or work takes you.
Easily mountable with integrated VESA
Are you into the idea of clearing off your workspace by mounting your PC so it’s not crowding your desk? Well, given the compact size of the HP ProDesk 405, it’s small enough to fit between surfaces or into more out-of-the-way areas. With a slim design and convenient integrated VESA mounting system, it’s incredibly simple to tuck the computer behind your monitor, on the wall, or place it wherever is best in your workspace.
Robust security
The HP ProDesk 405 includes its own built-in security features under the HP Client Security umbrella. In fact, you’ll find a level of security that’s comparable to all systems used across HP’s more traditional desktop PCs.
With HP BIOSphere Gen4, you’ll enjoy automated BIOS protection, while HP Sure Start creates a backup state for you to restore in case of disruption. It also features HP Sure Click to protect against viruses and web-based attacks, plus multi-factor authentication and HP Password Manager to keep your information secure at all times.
Top marks for energy efficiency
Along with its small size, the HP ProDesk offers great energy efficiency compared to just about any device. It comes with the confidence of ENERGY STAR® certification as well as a rare EPEAT® Gold rating. You’ll get to work knowing your environmental impact and power consumption are both kept firmly under control.
Lengthy warranty protection
Even a mini PC is a big commitment. That’s why the HP ProDesk 405 ships with the long-lasting protection of HP’s 3-year limited warranty. It includes 3 years of parts, labor, and even on-site repair when necessary so you’re thoroughly covered against unexpected faults and defects.
If you need to extend your coverage for the long haul, consider HP Care Packs. Just pick the plan that suits you to add more years of coverage to your warranty. In addition to other helpful features, you’ll enjoy next-business-day support with an HP Care Pack.
Advantages of a mini PC
1. Easy to store and access
The reduced physical configuration of a mini PC is obviously the biggest advantage. Minis offer external measurements that are just a fraction of the size of a standard tower - and even some SFF models. That makes a mini PC so much easier to store out-of-the-way, where it won’t crowd desk space or gobble up your legroom.
It also makes your entire workspace easier to access and maintain. Without oversized equipment and jumbled cords making it harder to reach your equipment, you can prevent messes and cut down on unnecessary heat build-up. Just imagine not having to deal with the typical dust bunnies and cables that you associate with traditional tower PCs - and then breathe a sigh of relief.
2. Mount to save even more space
To save the most space, you can also mount most mini configurations. They’re a great option to pair with a large screen monitor or any kind of oversized display, since they take up so little room. All you have to deal with is the display; no cumbersome PC tower or surface-gobbling laptop to fiddle with. Choose an accessible spot for mounting, usually on the back of your display, and you’re ready to go.
For example, a new mini PC can be a great, high-powered alternative to typical external streaming devices. You get better features and a more familiar PC interface, making an ideal platform for audio, video, even casual gaming. It’s also a great foundation for quality interactive displays and promotional marketing, allowing you to design more intelligent and immersive encounters.
3. Convenient for travel and mobility
Another advantage of a smaller size is more portability and mobility for you. For professionals or students with a complex itinerary and access to a variety of technology, a mini PC is actually smaller and potentially even easier to get around with than a thin laptop.
Usually measuring about the size of a small book, a mini PC has much less space to worry about - both horizontal and vertical. That means it takes up less space in a backpack, briefcase, or under your arm whether a project takes you across campus or just to the next office. It’s easy to get going right out of the box and quick to start up when you need to relocate.
4. Lower power consumption and environmental impact
One of the more obvious advantages of a smaller size used to be considered a drawback: if a PC was too small, there wasn’t enough room for high-powered components. Now, thanks to improving technology, a smaller device can offer a better balance of robust features and energy-saving convenience.
Mini PCs like the HP ProDesk 405 also have a much smaller power profile compared to other models of desktop computer, including less than half the needs of the next largest model in the series. That’s why it ships with such strong marks for energy efficiency and low environmental impact.
From the versatile HP ProDesk 400 series
Designed to provide performance in a range of small physical configurations, remember that the HP ProDesk 405 G4 mini desktop PC is just one of the latest models from the impressive HP ProDesk 400 series. It includes a trio of ultra-compact PC configurations to provide a great range of features and specs.
In addition to the HP ProDesk 405 and its predecessor, you’ll find robust SFF and microtower designs for more performance or expansion options. They offer more power than a mini but maintain the smaller physical footprint compared to standard PC towers.
Cut out the clutter with a compact powerhouse
Whether you’re contending with an unconventional workspace or just want the most efficient option for the size, the HP ProDesk 405 mini desktop PC is a great option for convenience and performance. You’ll find affordable starting configurations that save space and money, or you can configure yours with more premium components for a serious boost.
With an accessible starting price and high-end hardware features, the HP ProDesk 405 adds new performance to HP’s growing mini PC lines.
About the Author: Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia.
